ITS OFFICIAL: THE AFL AND THE AFLPU HAVE COME TO AN AGREEMENT

As I reported in my previous article, the Arena Football League executive office and the Arena Football League Players Union reached a principle agreement over the weekend: http://michelledubiel.com/~micheox4/websites/q101/2012/06/the-rush-defense-stands-its-ground/

As of late Sunday night I had received word that for the first time in AFL history, the league and it’s players will have a formal, legally binding collective bargaining agreement. When Monday morning came along, the details of the agreement had not been released but AFL Commissioner Jerry Kurz had issued the following statement:

“I would like to thank both the AFL Labor Committee and the executives of the AFLPU for the long hours they have put in over many months, but most especially the last two days to get this deal done,” Commissioner Kurz said. “I would also like to thank our fans. We know how upsetting any
disruption to the sport you love can be and we want to thank you for your patience and understanding.

This has most certainly not been an easy process, but it has been a necessary
process to help the Arena Football League continue to move in the right direction for our teams, players and fans. We look forward to turning our full attention back to the game on the field and enjoying the 25th season of Arena Football.”

As of Monday afternoon no further information had been released. But both the league and the union had announced that the “multi-year agreement” will be officially signed by both parties this Wednesday. It is believed that the details of the agreement will also be revealed on Wednesday. For most of this 2012 season, the AFLPU had aired multiple grievences towards the league through the media on numerous issues.

Issues ranging from salary increases, to medical expenses/coverage, and covering travel expenses when a player is traded from one team to the next. This among many other issues clouded the AFL during this season. In another previous article: http://michelledubiel.com/~micheox4/websites/q101/2012/06/who-is-ivan-soto/ I had mentioned how the AFLPU seemed to have created problems instead of resolving them.

Especially since the union had been unknown to most of the players in the league. But all of that seems to be out of the window now that this new agreement is in place. As soon as the details of the agreement are released, I will post those details right here on Q101.com.